Battle of Britain pilots developed their own slang/terminology that would have been incomprehensible to others even in the military. However, this slang became part of the lifestyle of members of Fighter Command and was used in everyday conversation as well as in written correspondence. Some of this slang has become reasonably common in general use today (such as ‘binders’) but during the months of the Battle of Britain when the ‘King’s English’ was more dominant it was language commonly associated with the men from Fighter Command.

Binders – People who are always grumbling and moaning.Bin – Killed as in ‘He’s been bin’Blood Wagon – AmbulanceBooze-wine – drink, usually beerBrolly – ParachuteBrown Job – Soldier/Army OfficerBeat-up – To dive at an object with the purpose of frightening themBogle – A womanCotton Wool – CloudsDeck – The ground or an aerodromeDouble Top – A good shot (from double 20 in darts)Erks – Airman’s rank if below a corporalForced Lob – Forced landingGrappling Hooks – Making a big effortGrease Monkey – MechanicHead in the Office – Office refers to the cockpitJim Crow – an aircraft on a reconnaissance missionNabble – To catch upPeelow – PilotPutting on the horses – giving more throttle to gain more speedPoking Charlie – Making fun of someoneRing Twitch – To anticipate danger; a feeling of fear and excitementSquirt – To shoot atStooge – Someone who does all the dirty workStooge Patrol – A patrol on which you do not expect to see the enemyStooging Along – Going on patrol without taking much notice of anythingTits – The trigger or firing button on the joystickVic – Aircraft flying in a V formationWalking Out – To bale out of your aircraft